JULY 23, 1968

Full News Archive

• Headline: Vietnam War: Battalions Encircled. Impact: The Allies encircling Vietcong forces led to an unexpected rise in coffee consumption in the U.S. as soldiers turned to caffeine to cope with the stress of the conflict. Who knew that war would brew a nation of coffee addicts?. Fact: Did you know that encirclement tactics have been around since the days of ancient Rome? They just didn’t have the luxury of a good coffee break..
• Headline: New Office Building Planned for Scarsdale. Impact: This office building, if successful, would be the cornerstone of suburban sprawl, paving the way for countless chain restaurants and coffee shops. Hence, the birth of the suburban dad who never leaves his town!. Fact: Fun fact: The first Starbucks was opened in 1971, but the real coffee revolution began in suburbs just like this one. Thanks, Exec Plaza!.
• Headline: Russian Troops Stationed Near Czech Border. Impact: The sight of Soviet troops near the Czech border sparked a wave of conspiracy theories that continue to this day. People began to suspect that every random military exercise was a prelude to an invasion. Spoiler alert: it wasn't.. Fact: Did you know that during the Cold War, the Soviets had a military presence in more places than your average conspiracy theorist's basement?.
• Headline: Terrorists at Zambian Border Are Blasted by Rhodesian Jets; Rhodesian Jets Pound Terrorists Near Zambia. Impact: The clash at the Zambian border led to a series of geopolitical chess moves that eventually resulted in the rise of diplomatic relations in Southern Africa. Who knew a clash could lead to more talking?. Fact: It's interesting to note that the first recorded use of jets in combat was during World War II, but it took decades for anyone to realize they could just talk things out first..
• Headline: House Delays Gun Vote. Impact: Delaying the gun vote became a timeless tradition in Congress. This decision paved the way for the phrase 'We’ll get to it later' to become a staple in American politics.. Fact: Did you know the average congressional bill takes more time to pass than it does for a college student to finish a 10-page paper? Procrastination is truly bipartisan..
• Headline: Hall of Fame Gets a New Outfield. Impact: The Hall of Fame induction would set off a chain reaction of debates over who belongs in the Hall and who doesn’t. This eventually leads to entire TV channels dedicated to arguing about it. Thanks, J Medwick!. Fact: Baseball stats are so detailed that there’s a stat for everything, including how often a player yawns during a game. Now that's what I call a dedicated fanbase!.
• Headline: GERMAN REDS DECRY SITUATION IN PRAGUE. Impact: The East German Cabinet's cries about the situation in Prague led to increased tensions that would ripple through the Iron Curtain, eventually contributing to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Power to the people and all that jazz!. Fact: Did you know that the phrase 'Iron Curtain' was first used by Winston Churchill? Guess he was on the cutting edge of dramatic metaphors!.
• Headline: New-Heart Patient Walks. Impact: This heart patient walking sparked a wave of optimism in the medical community, leading to an increase in heart surgeries and the rise of reality shows about medical miracles. Because nothing says 'entertainment' like life and death!. Fact: Heart surgeries have come a long way; the first successful heart transplant was in 1967. Now, we have reality shows where doctors are the new rock stars!.
• Headline: Soviet Warns the West. Impact: The Soviet warning to the West was like that friend who always plays devil's advocate, creating a cycle of paranoia that keeps everyone on edge. It’s like a never-ending game of geopolitical poker.. Fact: Pravda, the Soviet newspaper, was known for its propaganda. It’s like if your mom wrote a newspaper that only published good things about you—definitely not biased at all!.